Disability Provider and Advocate Unveils New Public Education & Outreach Initiative, Celebrates Opening of New National Headquarters in DC

Luncheon Forum Explores Issues of Transition

Washington, DC (Nov. 30, 2011) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), an international service provider and advocate for children and adults with a spectrum of disabilities, unveiled its new Public Education & Outreachinitiative and celebrated the opening of a new national headquarters in Washington, DCwith a luncheon forum exploring issues of transition for people with disabilities.

During the Luncheon Forum, co-hosted with Disability Power & Pride, a distinguished panel of speakers discussed key transition issues in the lives of people with disabilities, including the transition from early childhood to teen years, post-secondary education, employment, independent living and long-term care needs.

Watch the recorded video clips of the panel presentation from featured speakers:

“UCP affiliates provide key support for families and individuals across the globe during moments of transition in life,” said Stephen Bennett, UCP President & Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited to add significant new national information and networking resources for people with disabilities through our new Public Education & Outreach initiatives and hope that these tools spark a national dialogue about ways we can all help create a life without limits for people with disabilities.”

About United Cerebral Palsy United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.

A new statistical brief from the US Census Bureau shows that 2.8 million school age children live with cognitive, vision, hearing, ambulatory, self-care or independent living difficulties. The report also includes data on attendance in public or private school and comparisons between metropolitan and rural areas.

Joint Statement by Mark Perriello of the American Association of People with Disabilities and Stephen Bennett, United Cerebral Palsy

Washington, D.C. (November 21, 2011) — “Since the Supercommittee was formed, Americans from all walks of life have spoken loud and clear: we support tangible, responsible solutions that preserve opportunity. The budget debate has moved from the Supercommittee to party leaders and back again, and has now apparently ground to a halt. Rigid adherence to ideology is again coming at the expense of every-day Americans who need their representatives to get something done. Instead of solutions, we’re left with uncertainty about the future. Today, real people who are already making do with very little are left to wonder if deficit reduction will result in opportunity reduction. Today’s news has not changed the fact that we need to protect our fiscal future and our national security while at the same time preserving essential lifelines for people with disabilities.”

Stephen Bennett is the President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy, and Mark Perriello is the President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities.

About United Cerebral Palsy United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.

About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) The American Association of People with Disabilities is the nation’s largest cross-disability organization. We promote equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities. Our members, including people with disabilities and our family, friends, and supporters, represent a powerful force for change. Visit www.AAPD.com for more information.

Disability Provider and Advocate Unveils and Launches New Public Education & Outreach Initiative, Celebrates Opening of New National Headquarters in DC withLuncheon Forum Exploring Issues of Transition

New UCP Public Education & Outreach initiative features four public education campaigns for people with disabilities

Washington, DC (Nov. 9, 2011) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), an international service provider and advocate for children and adults with a spectrum of disabilities, will host a Luncheon Forum exploring issues of transition, with co-host Disability Power & Pride, to unveil and launch UCP’s new Public Education & Outreach initiative and celebrate the opening of UCP’s new national headquarters, on Monday, November 14. UCP President & CEO, Stephen Bennett, will be available for interview.

A distinguished panel of speakers will discuss key transition issues, such as post-secondary education, employment, independent living and long-term care needs. The event is open to the public with RSVP, lunch will be provided, and attendees will have the chance to see UCP’s new offices. Complete information is available at www.ucp.org/luncheonforum.

WHO: UCP and Disability Power & Pride

WHAT: Luncheon Forum exploring issues of transition in the lives of people with disabilities

About United Cerebral Palsy United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.

Representatives from Interfaith Religious Community & Disability Organizations Host Web Chat Discussing Importance of Medicaid for People with Disabilities

Washington, DC (November 8, 2011) - the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), and the Interfaith Disability Advocacy Coalition (IDAC) – a diverse, nonpartisan coalition of religious and religiously affiliated organizations whose core spiritual values affirm the rights and dignity of people with disabilities – will host a public web chat to discuss current deficit reduction strategies while representing a broad cross-section of the nation’s various faith traditions on Thursday, November 10 at 1:30 p.m. EST.

As the US Congress Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (the “Supercommittee”) continues to deliberate and craft proposals concerning the federal budget, it is important that the voices of the faith community be a vibrant part of the national conversation. Americans of many faiths support policies and programs that promote independence and dignity for people with disabilities. Medicaid is a tool that enables millions of Americans with disabilities to enjoy these freedoms, including contributing to their communities, families and congregations.

Participating IDAC members will share their unique perspectives about why Medicaid must be preserved for people with disabilities. The public can engage in the web chat by submitting questions to interfaithchat@aapd.com and logging in to engage in the conversation.

WHO: Hosted byAAPD, UCP & IDAC. Participants include Mark Perriello, AAPD President and CEO; Khizer Husain of American Muslim Health Professionals; and the following IDAC members:

Meg Cooch, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Lutheran Services in America Disability Network, “When thinking about deficit reduction and balancing the budget, we must apply our faith values to possible proposals. Medicaid allows people with disabilities the opportunity to be full participants in our society by providing critical services and job supports.”

David Feinman, Senior Legislative Associate, the Jewish Federations of North America, “Considering the challenges the ‘Supercommittee’ and the rest of the Congress face coming to a consensus on most issues, it is critical that they hear from people who want to have a constructive conversation.”

Maggie Mitchell Siddiqi, Islamic Society of North America, “In Islam, we are instructed to protect the dignity of every human being and provide help for those in need. As a Muslim, I believe in the importance of preserving safety net programs like Medicaid, which help people maintain their dignity and self-sufficiency.”

To learn more about AAPD and UCP’s joint efforts to ensure quality healthcare and access to care, please visit America’s Supercommittee at www.ucp.org/public-policy/america-s-super-committee.

About United Cerebral PalsyUnited Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visitwww.ucp.org.

About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)The American Association of People with Disabilities is the nation’s largest cross-disability organization. We promote equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities. Our members, including people with disabilities and our family, friends, and supporters, represent a powerful force for change. Visit www.AAPD.com for more information.

Early Intervention programs help children ages 0-3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Intervention is vital during this very early time because this is a crucial time of development where a child learns and develops at the fastest rate. Every state is mandated by the federal government to provide services but how well does your state do?

Washington, DC (Nov. 4, 2011) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), an international service provider and advocate for children and adults with a spectrum of disabilities, watched with great horror the video depicting a then-16-year-old with cerebral palsy being beaten with a belt by her father. While we don’t know all the facts of the case, there is no justification for the extreme violence depicted on this video. Too often children with disabilities encounter abuse at the hands of those who are supposed to care for them. UCP will watch with great interest the unfolding of this case in hopes that a clear message is sent that inflicting this kind of physical harm is never justified.

About United Cerebral Palsy United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.

Tampa, Fla. (Nov. 3, 2011) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), an international service provider and advocate for children and adults with a spectrum of disabilities, accepted a $332,000 check during a check presentation ceremony last week at UCP of Tampa Bay. This donation from Circle K’s Florida’s FishStix event, an annual golf and fishing tournament, in addition to funds raised through canister donations throughout the year, brings Circle K Florida’s total contribution to UCP to more than $1 million in 2011. View photos at http://bit.ly/CircleK1MdonationUCP.

Darrell Davis, who was appointed Vice President of Circle K’s Florida region in Spring 2011, welcomed everyone to the ceremony and explained, “At its heart, Circle K is a group of committed individuals who care deeply for the communities where we operate. For more than three decades, our partnership with UCP has been one of the most important outlets for Circle K to give back to the people we serve. We look forward to strengthening our ongoing relationship with UCP and are extremely proud to play a role in providing a life without limits for people with disabilities.”

Leaders from several UCP Florida affiliates remarked on the incredible impact Circle K’s partnership has had on the work they do every day.

Craig Byrd, Executive Director of UCP of East Central Florida, noted that, “In these trying economic times, you hear every day how the government is able to do less and less for the people in the most need in our community. We really rely on our community partnership with Circle K to help us continue to provide services that are so critical to hundreds of people with disabilities.”

Ron Sanders, Regional Administrator for UCP of Tallahassee, explained that the Circle K support the affiliate receives helps to enhance its technology programs. “The reputation we have earned is that if you want to see high-tech technology impacting the lives of people with disabilities, go to UCP of Tallahassee. We have health care providers and legislators coming to see our work, and every single person who comes through, knows that it’s about Circle K and UCP.”

Norma Israel, Executive Director of UCP of Southwest Florida, brought one of her clients Lisa, who is featured in the “Adopt a Life” campaign. “Lisa is one of the hundreds of adults with disabilities we serve every day, which we would simply not be able to do without Circle K’s support. Because of our partnership with Circle K, Lisa is able to live on her own, care for her pets and has a job.”

Laura White, Associate Executive Director of UCP of Tampa Bay, also highlighted a client who is featured in the “Adopt a Child/Adopt a Life” campaign, six-year-old Kara. “I recently heard Kara speak in full sentences, and when Kara came to us a year and half ago, she had no words. It is just a blessing for us to have the support of Circle K, which allows us to make a difference in the lives of so many.”

UCP-Circle K PartnershipWhen the Circle K Corporation purchased the UtoteM chain of convenience stores in 1984, Circle K management adopted UCP as the company’s designated charity. Today, UCP remains Circle K’s charity of choice in the Florida and Gulf regions. Circle K stands as UCP’s largest corporate sponsor, having raised more than $40 million over the life of the partnership through coin collection canisters at retail sites and with special events like golf tournaments, casual days, bake sales and car washes.

“Adopt a Child/Adopt a Life” & “Be a Star” Campaigns In an effort to deepen Circle K’s connection to the communities it serves and increase support for UCP affiliates in the Florida region, Circle K and UCP have launched two new campaigns.

Since September 1, the “Adopt a Child/Adopt a Life” campaign helps to celebrate and promote the tremendous difference that Circle K has made in communities across Florida. Unlike the earlier coin collection campaigns, each Circle K store now features the story and photo of a UCP client that lives in the region that that particular store serves. Circle K customers donating at the register now know they are supporting those in their immediate community.

This type of targeted campaign that ties donors to outcomes is designed to trumpet the good work of Circle K as a community partner and good corporate citizen. At the same time, it will raise public awareness of UCP and the services it provides to people with disabilities, and raise crucial funds that will change their lives for the better. View all canister inserts online at: ucp.org/get-involved/whysupport/circle-k-adopt-a-child-adopt-a-life-campaign.

Be a Star CampaignBeginning November 2 and running through the holiday season, Circle K patrons will have the opportunity to purchase a “star” that includes coupons for in-store use on select products. The star will be hung throughout the stores to raise awareness of Circle K’s support of UCP, visualize the incredible impact that individuals can have on the lives of people with disabilities in their communities, and encourage other customers to support as well.

This campaign reinforces Circle K’s philosophy of giving back to the communities of which they are a part, by inspiring individuals to support those in their community who need it most.

“We’re excited to herald Circle K’s deep philanthropy by showing people in the communities where a Circle K is doing business that their donations are impacting real lives in the towns and cities where donations are being collected,” said Michael Hill, UCP’s Senior Vice President for External Affairs. “In this way, we shine a spotlight on the radical difference that Circle K is making in the lives of people with a spectrum of disabilities.”

UCP Honors Circle K with Chair Award at 2011 Annual ConferenceUCP presented Circle K with its Chair Award in recognition of a partnership that has spanned three decades and seen the convenience store chain donate tens of millions of dollars to the charity during the 2011 UCP Annual Conference. The Chair Award is UCP’s highest honor and is given by the Chair of UCP’s National Board of Trustees for exemplary commitment to UCP’s mission. This was a part of UCP’s annual Awards for Excellence, presented to UCP affiliates, individuals and companies whose exceptional activities, achievements and dedication exemplify the UCP mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through its affiliate network.

UCP presented the 2011 Chair Award to Mr. Jason Broussard, Vice President of the Circle K Gulf Coast Region, and to Mr. Darrell Davis, Vice President of the Circle K Florida Region. Since 1984, Circle K has made a profound difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Through the company’s canister program, special events and cause marketing efforts, Circle K employees have literally transformed thousands of lives and donated more than $40 million to UCP’s efforts.

Bruce Merlin Fried, Chair of UCP’s National Board of Trustees, said it was an easy decision to honor Circle K. “We know that Circle K’s philanthropic efforts make significant contributions in the communities where they have a presence, but for UCP, Circle K has been a central part of advancing the civil rights movement for people with disabilities. Few companies can claim that level of impact. We applaud Circle K for not only transforming lives but making a long-term commitment to UCP.”

“Corporate partnerships can have a dramatic impact on the work of organizations like UCP,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “But the partnership with Circle K goes beyond a partnership; it has literally been a cornerstone experience for thousands of Circle K employees for decades and the efforts of those employees have forever changed the lives of thousands of people with disabilities around the nation.”

About United Cerebral PalsyUnited Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. UCP and its nearly 100 affiliates advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with a spectrum of disabilities by providing services and support to more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. We work to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, we continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.

About Alimentation Couche-Tard and Circle KAlimentation Couche-Tard Inc. is the leader in the Canadian convenience store industry. In North America, Couche-Tard is the largest independent convenience store operator (whether integrated with a petroleum company or not) in terms of number of company-operated stores. It owes this foremost positioning to the 53,000 people working in its stores and executive offices and reaches annual revenues of over $15,8 billion.

Welcoming some 25 million visitors every week, its stores offer a broad mix of food products, beverages, other merchandise and services and motor fuel. Grouped under three main brands: Couche-Tard, Mac’s and Circle K, its neighborhood stores feature a friendly modern setting, and most of them are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The network has a total of over 5,800 stores, over 4,100 of which sell motor fuel. These stores are located across 10 Provinces of Canada in three geographic markets (East, Centre and West), and across 43 American states and the District of Columbia in eight major markets (Great Lakes, Midwest, Southeast, Florida, Gulf, Arizona, West Coast, Southwest). In addition, a network of about 3,700 licensees extends in seven other regions worldwide (China, Guam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Mexico).

Disability Groups Emphasize Need for Quality Care &Access to Care, in Lead Up to the Congressional Supercommittee Hearing about Debt Reduction Plans on Tuesday

The Supercommittee decision cannot only be about saving money; it must be about ensuring access to quality care

Washington, DC (November 1, 2011) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) oppose some measures in the previously-released deficit reduction proposals, which will be discussed at a hearing of the Supercommittee on Tuesday, November 1 at 1:30 p.m. ET. Former Senator Alan Simpson and Erskine Bowles of The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, Dr. Alice Rivlin and Former Senator Pete Domenici of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Debt Reduction Task Force are scheduled to testify.

“Changes to Medicaid in the Simpson-Bowles and Rivlin-Dominici proposals would put Americans with disabilities at risk. We urge Members of Congress and the Administration to stand firm against any measures that would jeopardize those with disabilities,” said Stephen Bennett, UCP President & CEO.

“Medicaid provides me with in-home personal care services so I can choose to live in my home instead of an institution. Members of Congress must keep the millions of Americans like me in mind as they determine the fate of Medicaid,” said Robert Coward, a quadriplegic and member of a shadow Supercommittee — called “America’s Supercommittee” — established by UCP and AAPD to put a human face on Medicaid.

“Reducing access to care for Americans is not an option, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t reduce costs,” said AAPD President and CEO Mark Perriello. “To reduce costs without limiting eligibility, we need to ensure that programs are operating efficiently. Some of the proposals being considered today place too much of the cost-cutting burden on people with disabilities,” he added.

The Bowles-Simpson commission plan proposes repealing or reforming the CLASS Act, which establishes a voluntary program for workers to purchase long-term care insurance and supports. UCP and AAPD oppose repeal and urge members of Congress to reject any attempts to do so.

One proposal would require persons eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare to enlist in managed care programs. Many managed care programs have had success. Not all programs are equal, however. An acceptable plan will employ the best practices used by effective managed care plans and ensure that individuals have access to providers and quality care.

UCP and AAPD favor changes to save money in the Medicaid program that don’t adversely impact recipients, such as reducing prescription drug costs and enabling more people with disabilities to stay in their homes instead of costlier nursing homes. While both of the previous debt reduction plans being highlighted at the hearing contain measures opposed by UCP and AAPD, the organizations endorse the proposal in the Bowles-Simpson commission plan to extend the Medicaid drug rebate to those individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.

About the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
The American Association of People with Disabilities is the nation’s largest cross-disability organization. We promote equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities. Our members, including people with disabilities and our family, friends, and supporters, represent a powerful force for change. Visit www.AAPD.com for more information.